The article I read entitled, Designing Effective Projects: Characteristics of Projects Benefits of Project Based Learning, was published in 2007 by the Intel Corporation as part of the Intel Teach Program - Designing Effective Projects. It provides an overview of Project Based Learning and then discusses the benefits of PBLs for students and teachers. Finally, it defines the challenges both teachers and students may face in adopting Project Based Learning strategies.
Although not explicitly stated, the article outlines why PBLs are ideal for a diverse classroom and for students who, for whatever reason, are not successful in a traditional learning environment. PBLs are not about sitting and listening - skills that teachers know challenge a percentage of learners in every classroom. Because PBLs present real life, relevant questions that allow students to investigate, plan and create solutions, issues that affect traditional classroom learning are not as relevant in a PBL environment.
I can relate to this finding, as it mirrors my experience when 1:1 laptops were first provided to my students. The students who were most noticeably engaged were those most challenged with traditional learning strategies. One student in particular stands out in my mind. He was very unhappy in school. His educational failures were coupled with a lack of friends and frequent teasing. He really enjoyed working on projects with the laptop computer. It allowed him to express himself and share his learning in a way he could not with multiple choice tests or writing essays. He learned too that he had choice and options in what he produced - very empowering for a child who previously believed he was at a disadvantage.
Project based learning benefits all students in the same way. According to the article, research has found benefits that include:
- better attendance, self-reliance, and improved attitude
- greater responsibility for own learning
- academic gains equal or better than other processes
- opportunities to develop skills such as problem solving, collaboration and communication
- opportunities that engage culturally diverse learners
Teachers face a number of challenges in implementing Project Based Learning, and have to be willing to overcome them. Managing the learning process, as opposed to “telling”, has huge advantages for students, regardless of how diverse the classroom is. It transforms the classroom into a space where errors allow for reflection, collaboration and change. There are no predetermined answers, only opportunities to build on previous learning, solve problems and communicate learning in an engaging manner to a broader audience.
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